Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A communication system comprising: a server comprising a processor and memory associated therewith; and first and second communications devices respectively associated with first and second users, each of said first and second communications devices comprising a processor and memory associated therewith; said server configured to maintain a database for a social media network, the database comprising first and second communication profiles respectively associated with the first and second users, maintain first and second value accounts respectively associated with the first and second communication profiles, generate a public opportunity database, and post a given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database; each of said first and second communication profiles comprising an actual email address, a masked email address, at least one communication preference value, and a friends list comprising a plurality of friended communication profiles; when the first user and the second user are not friends within the social media network, said second communications device configured to send a message from the actual email address of the second user to the masked email address of the first user of said first communications device via said server, the message being associated with the given opportunity and including an offer of a transaction value for a communication between the first and second users, the communication being associated with the given opportunity; when the first user and the second user are not friends within the social media network, said server configured to process the message from the second user, debit the transaction value from the second value account, convert the message to be from the masked email address of the second user and send the converted message to the actual email address of the first user, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the communication between the first and second users as a blind digital conference, the communication being associated with the given opportunity, and transfer the debited transaction value to the first value account of the first user; when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, said second communications device configured to send a broadcast message to all users in a respective friends list of the second communication profile, the respective friends list including the first user, the broadcast message including the offer for the communication with a non-friended user, the first user to forward the broadcast message to the non-friended user in a friends list associated with the first user; and when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, said server configured to when receiving another acceptance message from the non-friended user in reply to the broadcast message, then provide the communication as the blind digital conference between the second user and the non-friended user, and transfer the transaction value corresponding to the offer for the communication with the non-friended user to a value account of the non-friended user; when the given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database comprises an option offer of a transaction value for the given opportunity, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the given opportunity for the first user based upon acceptance of the option offer; and wherein said server is configured to transfer a portion of the debited transaction value to a referring user associated with at least one of the first user and second user.
2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said server is configured to transfer the debited transaction value to an escrow account before transfer to the first value account.
A communication system facilitates secure financial transactions between parties using a server that processes value transfers. The system addresses the need for secure and reliable transaction handling in digital payment systems, particularly where trust between parties is limited. The server acts as an intermediary, ensuring that funds are properly debited from a second value account before being transferred to a first value account. To enhance security and prevent fraud, the server is configured to first transfer the debited transaction value to an escrow account before finalizing the transfer to the first value account. This intermediate step provides an additional layer of protection, allowing for verification and dispute resolution before funds are released. The escrow mechanism ensures that the transaction is only completed if all conditions are met, reducing the risk of unauthorized or erroneous transfers. The system is designed to operate within a communication network, enabling real-time or near-real-time processing of financial transactions while maintaining high levels of security and reliability. This approach is particularly useful in peer-to-peer transactions, online marketplaces, or any scenario where secure fund transfers are required.
3. The communication system of claim 2 wherein said server is configured to, when receiving a rejection message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then transfer the debited transaction value from the escrow account to the second value account of the second user, and send a notification message to the second user.
This invention relates to a communication system that facilitates secure transactions between users. The system addresses the problem of ensuring trust and financial security in digital communications where transactions are involved, particularly when one party may reject a received message or transaction. The system includes a server that processes messages between a first user and a second user. The server converts a message from the first user into a format compatible with the second user's device and debits a transaction value from the first user's value account into an escrow account. If the second user rejects the converted message, the server transfers the debited transaction value from the escrow account back to the second user's value account and sends a notification to the second user. This ensures that the second user is compensated if they reject the message, maintaining fairness in the transaction process. The system may also include a client device for the first user to send messages and a client device for the second user to receive and reject messages, with the server managing the conversion and financial transactions between them. The escrow account holds the transaction value temporarily until the message is accepted or rejected, preventing unauthorized deductions and ensuring proper financial handling.
4. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the message comprises an application for the given opportunity and a request for an interview related to the given opportunity; and wherein the communication comprises the interview related to the given opportunity.
This invention relates to a communication system designed to facilitate job application and interview processes. The system addresses the inefficiency and delays in traditional hiring workflows by integrating application submission and interview scheduling into a unified communication platform. The system enables a user to submit an application for a job opportunity and simultaneously request an interview, streamlining the hiring process. The communication system then conducts the interview directly within the same platform, eliminating the need for separate scheduling tools or external interview sessions. This integration reduces administrative overhead for both applicants and employers while ensuring a seamless transition from application to interview. The system may include features such as automated interview scheduling, real-time communication channels, and data tracking to enhance efficiency and user experience. By consolidating these steps, the invention improves the speed and convenience of the hiring process, benefiting both job seekers and employers.
5. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said server is configured to facilitate the communication directly between the first and second communications devices as at least one of a video conference and a blind voice over internet protocol (VoIP) connection.
This invention relates to a communication system designed to enable direct communication between two or more devices, particularly for video conferencing and blind voice over internet protocol (VoIP) connections. The system includes a server that manages and facilitates these direct connections, ensuring seamless interaction without requiring intermediaries. The server is configured to establish and maintain real-time communication channels, allowing users to engage in video conferences or VoIP calls where participants may not be visible to each other, such as in blind VoIP scenarios. The system ensures low-latency, high-quality communication by optimizing data transmission paths between devices, reducing reliance on centralized servers for ongoing communication once the initial connection is established. This approach enhances privacy, reduces bandwidth usage, and improves scalability by minimizing server load during active sessions. The invention is particularly useful in applications where direct, peer-to-peer communication is preferred, such as in business meetings, remote collaboration, or secure voice communications. The system may also include additional features like encryption, call routing, and session management to ensure secure and efficient communication.
6. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the at least one communication preference value comprises a threshold transaction value.
A communication system is designed to manage and optimize interactions between parties, such as between a customer and a service provider, by dynamically adjusting communication methods based on predefined preferences. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring efficient and appropriate communication while respecting user preferences, such as privacy, urgency, or cost considerations. The system includes a preference module that stores and processes communication preference values, which define how and when communications should occur. These preferences may include factors like time of day, preferred communication channels (e.g., email, phone, SMS), or specific conditions under which certain communication methods are allowed or restricted. A key aspect of the system is the ability to incorporate a threshold transaction value as a communication preference. This value determines whether a transaction meets a certain monetary or significance threshold, triggering specific communication actions. For example, if a transaction exceeds the threshold, the system may escalate the communication method to a more immediate or secure channel, such as a phone call or encrypted message, rather than a standard email. Conversely, transactions below the threshold may be handled through less intrusive or lower-cost methods. The system dynamically evaluates incoming transactions or communication requests against the stored preferences, including the threshold transaction value, to determine the appropriate communication method. This ensures that communications are aligned with user expectations and operational requirements, improving efficiency and user satisfaction. The system may also update preferences over time based on user feedback or changing conditions.
7. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said server is configured to, when the transaction value of the message is less than the threshold transaction value of the second user, generate and send a rejection message to the second user.
This invention relates to a communication system for processing messages between users, particularly focusing on transaction-based messaging where messages have associated monetary or value-based attributes. The system addresses the challenge of managing message exchanges where the value of a message may not meet certain criteria, ensuring efficient and secure communication. The system includes a server that evaluates the transaction value of a message sent from a first user to a second user. If the transaction value of the message is below a predefined threshold transaction value associated with the second user, the server automatically generates and sends a rejection message to the second user. This prevents low-value messages from being processed or delivered, ensuring that only messages meeting the recipient's value criteria are accepted. The server may also be configured to store transaction records, verify user identities, and enforce security protocols to protect the integrity of the communication system. The system may further include user devices for sending and receiving messages, where these devices interact with the server to facilitate secure and value-based messaging. This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of transactional communication by filtering out messages that do not meet the recipient's specified value requirements.
8. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said server is configured to generate the converted message having embedded acceptance and rejection buttons therein.
A communication system facilitates secure and efficient message exchange between users, particularly in environments where message content must be verified or approved before delivery. The system includes a server that processes messages from a sender, converts them into a standardized format, and delivers them to a recipient. The server ensures message integrity and security by validating the content before transmission. In one implementation, the server is configured to generate a converted message that includes embedded acceptance and rejection buttons. These buttons allow the recipient to quickly respond to the message, indicating whether the content is approved or requires further review. This feature streamlines communication workflows by reducing the need for manual responses and ensuring that messages meet predefined criteria before being acted upon. The system is particularly useful in regulated industries where message verification is critical, such as healthcare, finance, or legal sectors. The embedded buttons enhance user interaction by providing a direct and intuitive way to respond to messages, improving efficiency and reducing errors in communication processes.
9. A server operating in a communication system having first and second communications devices respectively associated with first and second users, the server comprising: a processor and memory associated therewith configured to maintain a database for a social media network, the database comprising first and second communication profiles respectively associated with the first and second users, and maintain first and second value accounts respectively associated with the first and second communication profiles; each of said first and second communication profiles comprising an actual email address, a masked email address, at least one communication preference value, and a friends list comprising a plurality of friended communication profiles; said processor and memory configured to generate a public opportunity database, post a given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database, and when the first user and the second user are not friends within the social media network, receive a message from the second communications device from the actual email address of the second user directed to the masked email address of the first user of the first communications device, the message being associated with the given opportunity and including an offer of a transaction value for a communication between the first and second users, the communication being associated with the given opportunity, process the message from the second user, debit the transaction value from the second value account, convert the message to be from the masked email address of the second user and send the converted message to the actual email address of the first user, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the communication between the first and second users as a blind digital conference, the communication being associated with the given opportunity, and transfer the debited transaction value to the first value account of the first user; wherein when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, the second communications device configured to send a broadcast message to all users in a respective friends list of the second communication profile, the respective friends list including the first user, the broadcast message including the offer for the communication with a non-friended user, the first user to forward the broadcast message to the non-friended user in a friends list associated with the first user; and wherein when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, said processor and memory are configured to when receiving another acceptance message from the non-friended user in reply to the broadcast message, then provide the communication as the blind digital conference between the second user and the non-friended user, and transfer the transaction value corresponding to the offer for the communication with the non-friended user to a value account of the non-friended user; wherein said processor and memory are configured to when the given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database comprises an option offer of a transaction value for the given opportunity, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the given opportunity for the first user based upon acceptance of the option offer, and transfer a portion of the debited transaction value to a referring user associated with at least one of the first user and second user.
This invention relates to a server-based communication system for facilitating transactions and interactions between users in a social media network. The system addresses the challenge of enabling secure, anonymous, and incentivized communication between users, particularly when they are not connected as friends. The server maintains a database storing user profiles, each containing an actual email address, a masked email address, communication preferences, and a friends list. Users can post opportunities on a public database, and when a non-friend user receives a message related to an opportunity, the system processes the message by debiting a transaction value from the sender's account, masking the sender's identity, and forwarding it to the recipient. If the recipient accepts, the system facilitates a blind digital conference and transfers the transaction value to the recipient's account. For friends, the system allows broadcast messages to be forwarded to non-friends, with the sender earning a referral fee if the non-friend accepts. The system also supports option offers, where a portion of the transaction value is transferred to a referring user upon acceptance. This approach ensures privacy, incentivizes participation, and enables secure transactions within the social network.
10. The server of claim 9 wherein said processor and memory are configured to transfer the debited transaction value to an escrow account before transfer to the first value account.
This invention relates to a financial transaction system that enhances security and trust in digital payments by using an escrow account to temporarily hold funds before final transfer. The system addresses the problem of fraud and disputes in online transactions by ensuring that payment is securely held in an escrow account until all transaction conditions are met, reducing the risk of unauthorized or disputed transfers. The server in this system includes a processor and memory configured to process transactions between a first value account (e.g., a buyer's account) and a second value account (e.g., a seller's account). When a transaction is initiated, the server debits the transaction value from the first value account and transfers it to an escrow account before the funds are released to the second value account. This intermediate step ensures that the funds are protected and can be returned if the transaction is disputed or fails to meet predefined conditions. The escrow account acts as a neutral holding area, providing an additional layer of security and trust in the transaction process. The system may also include additional features such as dispute resolution mechanisms, conditional release of funds, and automated verification processes to further enhance transaction security.
11. The server of claim 10 wherein said processor and memory are configured to, when receiving a rejection message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then transfer the debited transaction value from the escrow account to the second value account of the second user, and send a notification message to the second user.
This invention relates to a server system for facilitating secure transactions between users, particularly in scenarios where a first user converts a message into a transaction request and a second user must approve or reject it. The system addresses the problem of ensuring financial security and proper transaction handling when a user rejects a converted message, preventing unauthorized deductions or disputes. The server includes a processor and memory configured to manage transaction processing, including escrow accounts. When a first user sends a message that is converted into a transaction request, a transaction value is debited from the first user's account and held in an escrow account. If the second user rejects the converted message, the server automatically transfers the debited transaction value from the escrow account back to the second user's value account, ensuring the second user is not financially impacted by the rejected transaction. Additionally, the server sends a notification to the second user confirming the reversal, providing transparency and reducing potential disputes. The system ensures that funds are securely managed during transaction processing, preventing financial loss for the second user in case of rejection. This mechanism enhances trust and reliability in digital transaction systems, particularly in peer-to-peer or messaging-based payment platforms.
12. A method for operating a server in a communication system having first and second communications devices respectively associated with first and second users, the method comprising: operating a processor and memory in the server to maintain a database for a social media network, the database comprising first and second communication profiles respectively associated with the first and second users, and maintain first and second value accounts respectively associated with the first and second communication profiles; each of the first and second communication profiles comprising an actual email address, a masked email address, at least one communication preference value, and a friends list comprising a plurality of friended communication profiles; operating the processor and memory in the server to generate a public opportunity database, post a given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database, and when the first user and the second user are not friends within the social media network, receive a message from the second communications device from the actual email address of the second user directed to the masked email address of the first user of the first communications device, the message being associated with the given opportunity and including an offer of a transaction value for a communication between the first and second users, the communication being associated with the given opportunity, process the message from the second user, debit the transaction value from the second value account, convert the message to be from the masked email address of the second user and send the converted message to the actual email address of the first user, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the communication between the first and second users as a blind digital conference, the communication being associated with the given opportunity, and transfer the debited transaction value to the first value account of the first user; wherein when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, the second communications device configured to send a broadcast message to all users in a respective friends list of the second communication profile, the respective friends list including the first user, the broadcast message including the offer for the communication with a non-friended user, the first user to forward the broadcast message to the non-friended user in a friends list associated with the first user; and wherein when the first user and the second user are friends within the social media network, the processor and memory are configured to when receiving another acceptance message from the non-friended user in reply to the broadcast message, then provide the communication as the blind digital conference between the second user and the non-friended user, and transfer the transaction value corresponding to the offer for the communication with the non-friended user to a value account of the non-friended user; operating the processor and memory to, when the given opportunity from the second user on the public opportunity database comprises an option offer of a transaction value for the given opportunity, and when receiving an acceptance message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then facilitate the given opportunity for the first user based upon acceptance of the option offer; and operating the processor and memory to transfer a portion of the debited transaction value to a referring user associated with at least one of the first user and second user.
This invention relates to a communication system for facilitating interactions between users in a social media network, particularly for enabling transactions or communications between non-friends while maintaining privacy. The system addresses the challenge of connecting users who are not directly connected in a social network while ensuring secure and anonymous communication. The system operates a server that maintains a database for a social media network, storing user profiles and associated value accounts. Each user profile includes an actual email address, a masked email address, communication preferences, and a friends list. The server generates a public opportunity database where users can post opportunities. When a second user posts an opportunity and wants to communicate with a first user who is not their friend, the second user sends a message from their actual email address to the first user's masked email address. The message includes an offer of transaction value for communication, which is processed by the server. The server debits the transaction value from the second user's account, converts the message to appear as if it came from the second user's masked email address, and sends it to the first user's actual email address. If the first user accepts, the server facilitates a blind digital conference between them, transferring the transaction value to the first user's account. If the users are friends, the second user can broadcast a message to their friends, including the first user, who can forward it to non-friends. If a non-friend accepts, the server facilitates the communication and transfers the transaction value to the non-friend's account. The system also handles option offers for opportunities and can transfer a portion of the transaction val
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising operating the processor and memory to transfer the debited transaction value to an escrow account before transfer to the first value account.
This invention relates to financial transaction processing systems, specifically addressing the need for secure and efficient handling of debited transaction values in digital payment systems. The method involves a processor and memory system that facilitates transactions between a first value account and a second value account. The processor executes instructions to validate the transaction, verify the availability of funds in the first value account, and debit the transaction value from the first account. To enhance security and ensure proper fund allocation, the debited transaction value is temporarily transferred to an escrow account before being transferred to the second value account. This intermediate step in the escrow account ensures that funds are held securely until the transaction is fully processed, reducing the risk of errors or fraud. The system may also include additional steps such as generating transaction records, notifying parties involved, and updating account balances. The use of an escrow account provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring that funds are only released to the second account once all transaction conditions are met. This method improves the reliability and security of digital financial transactions by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or misallocation of funds during the transfer process.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising operating the processor and memory to, when receiving a rejection message from the first user in reply to the converted message, then transfer the debited transaction value from the escrow account to the second value account of the second user, and send a notification message to the second user.
This invention relates to a digital transaction system that facilitates secure value transfers between users, particularly in scenarios where a first user converts a message into a transaction request and a second user must approve or reject it. The system addresses the problem of ensuring secure and reversible transactions in digital communication platforms, where users may need to send or receive value in response to messages, but require safeguards against fraud or disputes. The system includes a processor and memory that manage user accounts, an escrow account, and transaction processing. When a first user sends a message to a second user, the system converts the message into a transaction request, debits the transaction value from the first user's account, and holds it in an escrow account. The second user then receives the converted message and can either approve or reject it. If the second user rejects the message, the system automatically transfers the debited transaction value from the escrow account back to the second user's account and sends a notification to inform the second user of the reversal. This ensures that the second user is compensated if they decline the transaction, while the first user retains the funds if the transaction is not completed. The system may also include additional features such as dispute resolution mechanisms or transaction history tracking to enhance security and transparency.
Unknown
November 17, 2020
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